Thirteen months ago, I was gearing up for two occurrences. One much bigger than the other. CBDC’s 5th Annual Boulder Contemporary Dance Festival was going live and in-person for the 1st time since 2019. And, the day after the show, we would depart for our 3rd act – moving to New York City! These were equally time-consuming. If you have ever produced a live performance, you know the work that goes into every single detail. You will almost undoubtedly hit some bumps and curve balls thrown in your direction. One can usually expect the same from moving – whether within your current town or a massive relocation. 

The show was beautiful. Filled with some of my favorite Colorado-based dance artists and friends, it was a fitting end to my dance career in Boulder. I was striving to help build the community and felt successful in my efforts. 

Just like in theatrical productions, life can sometimes offer hiccups. The next day we packed our home in the mountains and took leave to the east. On our way to the airport, we received notice that our flight had been canceled. Rolling with the punches, as one must sometimes do, we asked our driver to turn around and take us back to Boulder. We proceeded to go to our favorite brunch spot for eggs and mimosas! In just a few short days, we made it to the city. 

I am recapping these two events to say that bumps, hiccups, and curve balls will inevitably come our way. There is usually nothing we can do because, more often than not, some situations are out of our control. 

This past year has been challenging as I dodged, ducked, and was occasionally clobbered. I applied for jobs and gigs, and the number of rejections felt astronomical. I was defeated. Was that festival in October the final performance of my career? Was my beloved dance company a thing of the past? 

Somehow, through tears and heartache, I continued pursuing an artistic life here in NYC. I’ll stop here to say that I realize how dramatic I must sound. But, again, if you are a working artist, you will relate. Being an artist is not just what I do – it is who I am.  I am persistent, I’ll give myself that! Finally, about ten months in, that determination paid off.

But now, let’s fast forward to this lovely 65-degree day in New York. I just finished my first cup of coffee and began contemplating the difference a year (and one month) can make. This evening I will show a piece at a festival with a cast of beautiful dance artists. We have been in the studio for the past few weeks, dancing, laughing, and getting to know one another. As we had our final rehearsal a few days ago, we all felt “show ready” and confident that the performance would go well. I stepped out of the studio in the crisp air and sun-kissed sky, and the sheer happiness I felt was overwhelming; I had done it, I thought. I am about to premiere CBDC in NYC, and all feels right in the world! Don’t get me wrong – I am no Pollyanna – I am well aware that life is ever-changing, ever-unknowing, and ever-fleeting. But, at that moment, to feel that happy – well, it was beyond refreshing. 

So refreshing that I let my guard down and forgot to be on the lookout for those curve balls and bumps! Uh oh – Duck!! One of my lovely dancers phoned me yesterday to tell me that an injury would prevent them from performing in the show. I had a brief moment of “whaaaaaat??” that soon became a moment of concern for him. I don’t want anyone to be injured and experience pain. His devastation was felt through the phone, and I quickly tried to realize that his pain trumped mine. I wished him a speedy recovery and offered hope and assistance if needed. After we ended our conversation, I was surprised at how quickly I knew we could adapt. Humans are nothing if not resilient – a lesson I’ve learned in my years. It saddens me that he cannot perform, but I have hopes he will bounce back and be in our next show – and yes, I have a “next show!” But I also know this show must go on, and the remaining cast will be stunning! We duck, we dodge, and we try not to get clobbered. 

In the end, we discover our strength and endurance. And sometimes, we find a mimosa! 

What A Difference A Year Makes

Today I celebrate one year in New York City. And what a year it has been. When I mentioned to Ashay and Sami, who admittedly was still snoozing, that we had made it one year so far, Ashay listed much of what has transpired since our Big Apple arrival. 

In just one year, we encountered the Omicron variant, layoffs at Ashay’s company (though, very luckily, he remains employed), more rejections than I could possibly count, reconnecting with old friends, some breathtaking Broadway performances, thousands of steps each day, and delicious restaurants (well, some were not so delicious, but what are you going to do?)! 

And, in these twelve months, I found myself in deep despair as I searched for my place in this city I had dreamed of living in all of my life. But now, here I am, teaching dance in a school and preparing for the debut of CBDC – the NYC era! The applications for residencies and employment will continue to be a large part of my existence as I continue the hustle necessary to keep it all going. 

As for writing – I’m working on making that a more constant practice in my life. More to come on that! 

But for today, I will count my blessings. I will acknowledge this moment of gratitude for all my loved ones who believed in me and encouraged me to hold on to hope that, in time, all will work out! 

And to NYC – here’s to the next year – and more to come! 

You know when you see two people walking together, and somehow they just fit? Or a piece of a puzzle, when you automatically find the exact spot where it should slide? It feels right; there is no jamming it into place. It moves unobtrusively together as if they should have never been apart.

I’m not sure Ashay and I initially fit that description many years ago when we first met. He was fresh and beautiful, the epitome of tall, dark, and very handsome. I, twelve years older than him, was small and pale, sad, and broken.

Somehow, in an off-chance way (and the best meet-cute story I’ll ever be able to tell in my entire life), we found each other. Our eyes met, our hearts locking almost in an instant. And from that moment on, we never looked back.

Today we celebrate 24 years of marriage. We have moved steadily through the vows we took….

~ in good times and bad

~ in sickness and in health

~ richer and poorer

~ loving each other as long as we both shall live

~ This past year has presented its own set of challenges, heartache, and hard times, but together we have been moving through those in partnership and love. Stronger than ever.

We made a life, and we made a family. Life has become fuller and ripe with possibilities. We move together like two pieces of a puzzle. Somehow, we fit.

And he is still the most beautiful tall, dark and handsome man I’ve ever seen!

Happy Anniversary, my love!

This past week I traveled to Ohio to visit my parents. They had recently moved from my childhood home to a condo. In my urban mind, a condo is an apartment you purchase, maybe a townhome. But, in the midwest, and I suspect other locations, a condo appears to be a ranch-style single-family home with the amenities of someone caring for everything outside. Strange as it was to visit a house I had never stepped foot into, I found it to be a lovely next act for my folks. With their belongings and furniture neatly curated and tucked into the interior of the walls, it still had a familiar sense of home. And, when all is said and done, I believe it was a sensible and timely move for them. 

One of my favorite activities in their previous home was to take a cup of coffee in their backyard oasis and contemplate life, as I am often wont to do. This time, I situated myself, early in the morning, on their back patio, which looked upon a small forest of trees. There, as the winds blew the leaves and the chimes gifted to my parents just after my brother’s passing, I listened intently to the bell-like tinkling and the whispers of the swishing gusts. As I was sipping my coffee and missing my brother fiercely, I started thinking back on childhood, lost youth, and remembering the dreams manufactured in a way only a hopeful young person can. 

During this visit, I somehow found myself walking the halls of my high school, a building I don’t think I’ve entered for many years. It hadn’t changed a bit, and though this might be an odd thing to say, it even smelled the same. I can’t quite describe it, but it just did. This is the school I was attending when I could not wait to leave and be on my way to New York City. I stepped into the auditorium and focused on the first actual stage I had been on. Instantly I was transported back to the plays, musicals, and variety shows. It reminded me how deeply connected I feel to theatres and stages; they feel like home. 

And as I traversed through the halls filled with lockers, my mind was flooded with memories – of meeting my friends to walk to class together, the boy I had a massive crush on teasing me or the way I didn’t really feel like I fit in. It all came back. 

I was fueled by this visit as I sat in the wrought iron chairs on my parents’ patio, finishing my coffee and thinking the thoughts only a seasoned woman in her fifties can. I embraced the memory of the young girl who believed she would be a star, artist, or something beyond her wildest dreams. I revel in knowing that I have achieved a life as a dancer, choreographer, director, and writer. In some ways, I can honestly say I did what I set out to do. But I also feel reignited. I suppose the old adage, “It ain’t over til it’s over,” definitely rings loud and true for me. I’m not finished yet. There is still so much to accomplish. And I couldn’t find myself in a better place to continue living life, making art, and loving this world.

And, to this town, this little town in Ohio, I’ll be back. Not to live, of course, but to visit. There is a peculiar sweetness when I return to my hometown. A place I never quite felt I belonged in but understand more than I like to believe. 

It is evident that the title of my blog 56andthecity is a play on Sex And The City. I will admit to being a fan of the show, and so it seemed fitting when I moved to NYC in the fall. On occasion, I do find myself quoting a few lines, here and there, from the series when it feels applicable to my own adventures in life. 

There was an episode in which Carrie could not find something to write about for her column because she wasn’t having much success in her dating life. And, since her writing was dedicated to relationships, she was out of material. So she wrote a piece about her socks. I distinctly recalled this particular installment on one of my walks with Sami when my own socks had lost their elasticity and were continually sliding down into my shoes. Irritated as I was, I thought to myself, “well, you could talk about your socks.” 50SocksAndTheCity. 

I tell you this because I, too, am struggling with what I should share. When we first moved here, Ashay and I had our misadventures and funny antics that seemed entertaining tales. But now, for better or worse, as we settle in, we seem to have fewer and fewer mishaps. And, since I have yet to secure a place in the dance community, I am desperately lacking in daily anecdotes. I don’t particularly feel like I have a wealth of captivating stories stored in my back pocket to whip out in company. 

So last Saturday, as we were getting ready to meet up for dinner to celebrate a friend’s birthday, I began to have a bit of a meltdown. I’ll admit social media played a hand in my utter disintegration. I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and Facebook, and I couldn’t help but notice everyone’s productivity and displays of new creative endeavors. People doing things – that was the straw, as they say. I began to imagine what I would be like with my friends that evening. What could I possibly have to contribute? At this particular season of my life, I’m just a real housewife in NY! 

Fast forward to our train ride back after a delicious dinner, sparkling conversation, loads of laughs, and a few cocktails. Ashay turned to me and said – see, you were funny, charming, and as usual, a witty storyteller. To which I replied – I still got it! And I didn’t have to pull out any stories about my socks. 

Surprisingly I have discovered…Life itself is all the material I need. 

In my neighborhood, where I walk three times a day with my dog, my eyes have been feasting lately on the hopeful sprouting of new leaves and potential flowers. The air is filled with spring, awakening from a frozen slumber and doling out a sense of optimism. 

Today, even as the clouds covered the city and created a dense, gray, dreary atmosphere, I still felt that sense of hope. As I strolled down one particular street where the trees were saturated with white and pink blossoms, I unexpectedly exhaled a deep sigh of release. As I let go of the heaviness that seems to ride upon my shoulders these days, it just naturally began to dissolve. 

I began working on this piece yesterday, and ironically today, as the sun was shining brightly, I felt that heaviness bearing down on me once again. I had awakened to yet another rejection. The realization that I may not be able to make it here hit me harder than usual. Perhaps it was due to reading the email first thing in the morning, or maybe it’s just reality. Either way, it wasn’t the best way to begin my day. But, I had to go on my morning walk, and as I made my way again down the street of blossoming trees, this idea popped into my thoughts – the rain is necessary for the buds to bloom, and maybe the challenges I am currently facing are here for a reason too. Sometimes a setback can be a setup for success. And, just as the flowers don’t appear instantaneously, neither will my new projects. I have to keep watering the soil, shining light, and being patient. 

As they say in the musical Hadestown, spring will come again. 

Sometimes, it is easier to find one good story or stock answer neatly packed in your back pocket when meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Especially when you, yourself, have made a significant life change. 

My daughter had been visiting from college for the past ten days in NYC, and some dear friends were here from Colorado. The first few days with our daughter, we had activity-filled days with trips to the hair and nail salon, Central Park, and experiencing a couple of amazing Broadway shows. Once our friends arrived, the days became even more packed with museums, ferry rides, and delicious restaurants. It was so fun to be able to be “the locals.” 

After they had all left the city, I ventured to Chelsea Market for a brief visit with other friends before they departed NYC as well. 

I had lots of conversations with each person about my existence here in NYC. However, something felt different when I reached for my story, which was still neatly tucked in my back pocket. I tried to change the narrative. Usually, when someone inquires about how life is going for me here, I tend to reply with my sob story. It goes a little like this: “I moved out here for Ashay, gave up my dance company, don’t have any teaching gigs, and keep getting rejected.” However, yesterday, I started telling my friends that I was changing my narrative, which took me right into describing the familiar story! Ugh! I couldn’t believe that I was not able just to say, “I’m applying for lots of jobs and residencies, and I’m hoping something happens!” Only after I’ve given my “woe-is-me” response do I usually follow with “I’m throwing spaghetti at the wall and waiting for something to stick!” 

And so, at the end of each meeting with a friend, I’ve received warm, long hugs as they whisper in my ear to keep my chin up, keep going after my goals, and something is bound to happen. And while I love the big, warm hugs and the enthusiastic pep talks, I started to feel a little bit like a loser. Essentially, I’ve made myself my own victim. And, I really want to be done with that. 

So, here is the plan. When asked about my life in NYC, I intend to tell them that I love it. I am inspired by the amount of art that resides here. I adore walking through the charming neighborhoods. And every time I spot the Empire State Building, I feel giddy with excitement. And then, I will also share this – Sometimes, I worry that my career as a choreographer who has her own dance company is over. I’m afraid I won’t amount to much in the city where I have always wanted to create. And, I honestly don’t know how this will all turn out. And all of that is my new narrative, my new trajectory. I am grateful, transparent, excited, and scared, all wrapped up into one. 

I think it is important to write our own story. We can choose to be a victim or be victorious. We can choose hope or despair. And we can make our future, we can make magic, and we can make a beautiful life. It isn’t always easy, but not many things worth having are easy to obtain.

But, I’ll also finish my reply with this – I will continue throwing spaghetti at the wall. After all, it is the best way to see if it’s ready. 

A few months ago, as I was on a morning walk with my dog, the fog was so thick I could barely see the Statue of Liberty. There were, however, traces showing the outline of the iconic figure, and it sparked the idea that a glimmer of hope is sometimes all we need to get us through. You can’t always see it clearly, but you can feel optimistic when there is a faint hint.

Today, however, as the heavy, dense fog rolled in across the Hudson River, I began to delve deeply into the fog of my own life and the even more extreme world events. There was no hint of the statue, no glimmer, no edges this time. It was as if it had disappeared. 

In just the past two years and all that has transpired, I wonder how we could possibly dig ourselves out. Have we gone too far? Just as the Statue of Liberty was completely hidden, I fear so is humanity. At the pandemic’s start, I remember thinking how this could be the event that might bring us all together. We would do what we could to help each other, provide comfort to those in need, and protect one another. It was beyond my comprehension that this could have brought about a division so vast that it feels irreparable.  

As we try to navigate our way through the haze of the pandemic, we have also seen injustices to those in the BIOPOC community, hate crimes, and police brutality. The reported criminal activity seems to have escalated though I realize there have always been criminals; the acts have become more heinous and horrific. And then there is a war—a murderous dictator going full throttle as the whole world watches. Shockingly the same people who are anti-mask, anti-vaccine seem to be the ones who are somehow on the side of Putin. I am baffled. It makes no sense. And even while it seems impossible, that vast division has grown even more expansive.

 As I sat, safely tucked into my lovely, well-appointed apartment, reading about the horrors of the world, both close by and far from home, I began to think of a performance I created called “A World On Fire” in 2019. Naively I believed that our troubles would somehow start to dissipate, and surely we would all see the light, douse the fire, make some changes and come back together as a society. Little did I know we would be hit with a global pandemic that would throw humanity into disarray as we threw gasoline on the flames. 

So now, as the fire grows and the fog thickens, I find myself wondering…When there is no glimmer of hope…how can you possibly hang on to it?   

A few days ago, I turned 57. Fifty-seven. 

Aging is one of those constants in life that genuinely feels dichotomous. Of course, the definition of aging is to continue living, which is the goal. However, almost all of us want to stop time, or at the very least, slow it down. But, alas, to stop time is to die, to cease existing. So age I must. 

I’m not going to lie; this year’s birthday felt hard. Here I am, aging in my new home in New York City. Of all of my birthdays, this is the first one where I have no clear direction. No plans. No rehearsals. No upcoming classes to teach or shows for which I am preparing. Usually, with each passing year, I take stock of how my life is moving along on my birthday. But, as I was sipping my celebratory cocktails, I shared with Ashay how I had primarily been feeling blue all day after he had inquired how my birthday had been. It is challenging for me to be without aim. But that is what I am experiencing – aimlessness. Perhaps this place of uncertainty is where I am meant to be at this particular time. And maybe if I lean into this moment, I can find a new direction, a new path. 

Friends of mine, who follow my writings, have inquired – will I change it to 57 And The City? To which I have replied – no, I don’t think so. 56 is when I began this journey, and it will always represent a time in my life where change was abundant, new adventures were prevalent, and the bravery of starting over was just within my reach. 

Besides, 56AndTheCity just sounds better! 

It is 6:00 a.m., and I’ve been up for about an hour or so. Unable to silence my rapidly spinning thoughts, I relinquished my attempts at sleep, rose from my bed, and started the coffee maker. 

I am currently sitting in Boulder, at my carefully curated dining room table that I have listed for sale, thinking about how our life in Colorado will be a memory in just mere days. A lovely, beautiful memory. 

I’ve done my fair share of moving in my life. I left my childhood home for college, leaving that college for another, going to Illinois for grad school, five moves within Chicago proper, two houses in Boulder, and now our home in NYC! But, leaving this town, this home, where we raised our daughter, grew as a family, and generally had a pretty remarkable life is bringing about some melancholy.  If you’ve ever been lucky enough to live in Colorado, you know what a miracle it is to see the mountains every day. Sometimes it feels akin to living in a painting — big brushstrokes of jagged peaks, tall pine trees, and glorious open space. 

But, sometimes our tastes change, and the art we’d like to see resembles something more modern, geometric, and frenetic. 

Since October, we’ve been residing in Manhattan – that almost feels unreal when I say that. I’ve been reading a book about writers living in and then leaving and sometimes returning to New York City. One writer said, “every writer dreams of coming to the city in their twenties.” Well, I’m not in my twenties, but in the city, I will live. Realizing a dream I’ve had since I was seventeen is an accomplishment on its own, and I’m eager to see what transpires in my next chapter. It is exciting and daunting all in one. But, rise to the occasion, I must! I need to remind myself of this one basic notion – I am an artist, and I must create. Full stop! And so, I will continue applying for dance teaching jobs, choreographic residencies, and writing gigs. I know I will get some rejections, but I also know that the right opportunities are out there. It just might take a little more effort to unearth them. 

The morning’s light is beginning to appear, and the mountains that I can see from my window reveal themselves. I will revel in this time that I was living in a painting. Soon I will sell this table and the rest of our belongings worth selling. And I will bid farewell to Colorado. 

As I sip my delicious steaming beverage, I know this much to be true – people change, art will always happen, and my coffee never lets me down.